Terrorism is broadly defined as the use of violence or intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Proponents of terrorism are often minority groups within larger societies.
Domestic Terrorism in the United States
Domestic terrorism, or attacks on a society by members of the society, afflicts the United States as well as most other nations. Public opinion of domestic terrorists is generally negative, especially since the 2001 World Trade Center attack.
The justifications behind terrorist attacks are varied and depend on who performs the attacks and the political climate of the time. Notable examples include:
1. Our group concluded that the greatest threat to the US is international terrorism, not domestic terrorism. International terrorism tends to be more organized, more violent, and better equipped for violence. Furthermore, in comparison to domestic terrorism, there are far more international terrorists, making them the greater threat by sheer numbers alone.
2. While some groups may have legitimate reasons for their beliefs, none can justify their actions. In most cases, they are indiscriminately violent and harm civilians and military alike; no matter the problems a group has with the government or with the US, that is no cause to kill uninvolved civilians.
3. We are probably influenced by our upbringing as US citizens; as children of a democratic, free society, we have a natural tendency to view anyone who doesn't support a democracy as a terrorist, rather than a freedom fighter. We also have an instantaneous hatred of anyone who attacks the US, whether or not the US gave them cause to hate us in the past.
Table of Contents
DefinitionDomestic Terrorism in the United States
International Terrorism
Definition
Terrorism is broadly defined as the use of violence or intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Proponents of terrorism are often minority groups within larger societies.Domestic Terrorism in the United States
Domestic terrorism, or attacks on a society by members of the society, afflicts the United States as well as most other nations. Public opinion of domestic terrorists is generally negative, especially since the 2001 World Trade Center attack.The justifications behind terrorist attacks are varied and depend on who performs the attacks and the political climate of the time. Notable examples include:
International Terrorism
Terrorist attacks that transcend national boundaries are defined as international terrorism. A few current examples are:Conclusion
1. Our group concluded that the greatest threat to the US is international terrorism, not domestic terrorism. International terrorism tends to be more organized, more violent, and better equipped for violence. Furthermore, in comparison to domestic terrorism, there are far more international terrorists, making them the greater threat by sheer numbers alone.2. While some groups may have legitimate reasons for their beliefs, none can justify their actions. In most cases, they are indiscriminately violent and harm civilians and military alike; no matter the problems a group has with the government or with the US, that is no cause to kill uninvolved civilians.
3. We are probably influenced by our upbringing as US citizens; as children of a democratic, free society, we have a natural tendency to view anyone who doesn't support a democracy as a terrorist, rather than a freedom fighter. We also have an instantaneous hatred of anyone who attacks the US, whether or not the US gave them cause to hate us in the past.